The Latest From Vegas

LAS VEGAS - Over the last five days, the Knicks have generated a ton of attention in Vegas with rumors swirling around free agency, Carmelo Anthony and Tyson Chandler playing prominent roles on Team USA, and Summer League training underway.

In case you missed any of the action on an eventful Wednesday, here are some news and notes from Sin City.

Back to the Big Apple
After leaving New York 10 years ago, Marcus Camby makes his official return via a sign and trade that landed the big man back with the Knicks on Wednesday morning. New York shipped guard Toney Douglas, centers Josh Harrellson and Jerome Jordan, and two future second-round draft choices to Houston for Camby. The veteran center spent four solid seasons with the Knicks from 1998-2002, which included an Eastern Conference Championship.

The Knicks now own two seven-footers on the roster with similar long wing spans and body types. The reigning Defensive Player of the Year believes fans could see him in the same lineup next to the former Defensive Player of the Year, “Definitely so. I could see situations down the stretch where we are trying to get stops as well as mixing it up a little bit. We have scoring on the perimeter, so we need finishers and guys that are going to defend and go out there and rebound.”

See more of Chandler and Anthony in this VIDEO, reacting to the acquisition of Camby.

Member of Mobb Deep Inks Deal
From a big time clutch shot in Milwaukee to a ridiculous reverse windmill dunk against Miami at MSG, J.R. Smith is an explosive force. On the day the Knicks added Smith to the roster, the shooting guard described his affinity for playing ball in NYC. Smith fed off the Garden crowd and thrived under head coach Mike Woodson with a unique combination of perimeter shooting and natural athleticism. He’s an underrated defender that will play a significant role with the team in its pursuit of postseason success.

“The two-guard position is very important in the NBA,” Chandler stated at Team USA practice. “We all know that J.R. can fill it up. He was great coming off the bench as well as he can be a starter, so it’s huge for us to bring him back.”

White Takes Flight
James White is returning to the states after spending the past two years in Italy. The Knicks signed the ultra athletic wing player a one-year deal on Wednesday. White will be an interesting player to follow throughout the Summer League session as he possesses jaw-dropping dunking abilities. Obviously, the team added him to the roster for more than just his high-flying antics but fans must check out his work HERE (A legit behind the free throw line dunk).

Team USA Prepares for “Statement Game”
The newly formed Team USA will finally get the chance to punish an opponent following five days of training in Vegas. Anthony and Chandler have garnered respect among their teammates and coaches throughout the entire process. In search of his second gold medal, Anthony was quick to discount Thursday’s game as just a showcase for the fans in attendance.

“It’s a statement game for us too,” Anthony reiterated. “It will show us where we are at as a team with the guys that were in 08’, guys in 06’, and some of the new guys, so tomorrow is definitely a statement game for us.”

Before traveling to the nation’s capital, Team USA will square off against the Dominican Republic at 9 PM Eastern Time. Check out practice video HERE and thoughts from Anthony and Chandler HERE.

KnicksNow.com will have postgame coverage on Thursday night and comprehensive content of the Knicks Summer League team over the next 10 days.